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Iceland Yacht Charter

Iceland is a breath-taking destination in the Northern Europe. It is a rewarding experience for a wide range of reasons: Historic mansions, delicious cuisine, unique shopping opportunities, scenic coastal landscapes, excellent conditions for all water sports, and of course, beautiful beaches. What's more, this year-round destination is strikingly different and offers winter sports and a whole host of festivities over the Christmas and New Year period.

Reykjavik alone has an abundance of activities, from the golden sands of Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach and peninsular golf clubs, to myriad museums and an electric nightlife. Farther from the capital, discover scenic parks like Reykjanesfólkvangur, a nature reserve with a Mars-like landscape created by volcanic and geothermal activity. Whales, seals and puffins can be sighted along the coast while guests kayak, fish, snorkel or Scuba dive, and arctic foxes roam across the land while you scale mountains, visit icy caves and enjoy a whole season of winter sports.

Five quick reasons to visit Iceland

Dramatic coastlines, Unusual volcanic and geothermal sites, Fantastic nightlife, Thriving modern culture, Captivating wildlife

More about this part of the Arctic Circle

Iceland is ideally positioned west of Northern Europe and Svalbard, with Greenland, Canada and the northernmost corners of the USA farther west. This makes Iceland an ideal destination for a luxury yacht charter itinerary that takes in multiple destinations, particularly on extended cruises by explorer yacht. The region has an abundance of natural wonders, including glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic and geothermal sites of interest and many worthy UNESCO World Heritage Sites both natural and industrial. Winter sports lovers and wildlife watchers will be enchanted with the diversity on offer, while photographers will be richly rewarded with sensational land and seascapes at any time of the year.

The waters are rich in sea life and fishing enthusiasts of all experience levels will have myriad opportunities to catch something delicious to be cooked by your professional on board chef. Scuba divers, meanwhile, will have the chance to try dive sites much different to those of the tropics, swimming beneath glaciers and discovering cold-water corals and seagrass meadows.

Icelandic Yacht Charter Experiences

Iceland is a place of stark contrasts, and this is most prominent in the brilliant bright days and the void-like nights. The play of light makes this destination a photographers’ paradise for unusual sights such as the ice caves and glaciers, and in summer when wildflowers such as arctic cotton is flourishing, the coasts come alive with beautiful bright colours.

The sunlight provides surprising warmth from July through to September, and although it is advisable to bring layers for all weather, it is possible to spend your days outside in T-shirts and shorts. On land, hike through magnificent parks such as the Snæfellsjökull National Park and pass by amazing waterfalls and some of Iceland's flourishing bird species.

The beaches are amazing wherever you travel and vary between golden white sands to black volcanic grains. The coasts around Snæfellsjökull National Park and Reykjavik are particularly spectacular.

In winter, take a helicopter ride into the mountains for winter sports, dog sled across the tundra and marvel at the shifting Northern Lights.

In the water, kayak to beautiful seagrass meadows and coral-covered lagoons, drift dive beneath ice fields as the sunlight pours through the surface. After so long in the cold, warm up in one of the geothermal spas surrounding Reykjavik or dip into your on board Jacuzzi and whale watch while your expert chef prepares a delectable lunch or dinner. As night falls, savour the warm interiors of your luxury yacht as you host your own party to rival the capital's, or have a cosy and intimate evening watching the latest blockbusters as you cuddle up on the sofa.

Even when the weather isn't perfect for outdoor activities, there is still plenty to do during your stay: In addition to Reykjavik's aforementioned nightlife, the capital boasts fantastic cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, international brands and galleries. The museums offer an illuminating look into local history and geology as well as more unusual topics, such as the Icelandic Phallological Museum, where most of the country's marine and land animals are represented.

Things to Consider:

Yachting Seasons & Climate:

The heart of winter in December and January sees a low of -3°C/27°F and a high of 3°C/37°F, while the peak summer months of July and August experience a low of 8°C/46°F and a high of 13°C/55°F, which can feel all the warmer in the sunshine. The rainfall is at its lowest during July and August, and heaviest in January when it is more likely to fall as snow.

Sea temperatures average around 5°C/42°F in winter and 11°C/53°F in summer.

Clothing to Pack For Your Charter:

The changeable weather in the Arctic could mean that you are wearing winter layers one day and then T-shirts and shorts the next: A windproof, waterproof layer is an essential item, especially during the winter, as are a good pair of gloves and a warm woollen hat. Clothing should be breathable for sports and for comfort, and layers should be easy to add or remove to suit activity level, the time of day and local weather conditions. Bug spray is also recommended for the summer months to keep away biting midges.

Main Ports and Marinas:

Reykjavik Port (Iceland), Keflavik (Iceland), Rif Port (Iceland), Vestmannaeyjar Port (Iceland)

Famous Restaurants & Clubs:

Dill Restaurant (Reykjavik, Iceland), Matarkjallarinn (The Food Cellar) Restaurant (Reykjavik, Iceland)

A Must See Attraction:

Snaefellsjokull National Park, Londrangar (Hellnar), Svodufoss (Rif), National Museum of Iceland (Reykjavik), Art Museum Ásmundarsafn (Reykjavik), The Culture House (Reykjavik), Gelleri Fold (Reykjavik)

Best beaches to visit in your yacht:

Alftanes, Búðir, Grótta, Reynisfjara, Breiðamerkursandur, Vestrahorn Beach, Raudasandur, Sandvik Beach

Best time to go:

When to go is dependent on what you want to do and see: There couldn't be more of a difference between the winter and summer months, making Iceland a destination you could return to and discover even more. Summer is when the wildlife awakens and birds flock to the shores for mating displays and nesting. Daylight hours are long and this is a fantastic time for water sports and sunbathing along the various beaches. In winter, the landscape is covered in a thick blanket of snow for dog sledding and other winter sports. This is the best time to visit ice caves and dine or party beneath the Northern Lights.

Further Charter Information

Yacht Rentals Available: Go here for the current list of yacht rentals in Northern Europe.

Full Iceland Yacht Charter Guide: Go here for the essential Northern Europe yacht charter guide.

News: Read the latest superyacht news about Northern Europe.